No Mask Required to Vote

Looks like you won't have to wear a mask when you go vote. At least, not for for now.

According to a report form the Texas Tribune, a three-judge appellate panel granted an administrative stay on the order which, means that for now you won't be required to wear a mask when voting.

Texas Governor, Greg Abbott has mandated face coverings in public places, but stated that does not apply to polling places as that may prevent people from voting because turned away for not having a mask. That led to a lawsuit against Abbott and the Texas Secretary of State.

In the initial ruling, which was issued Tuesday night, U.S. District Judge Jason Pulliam said of the exemption “creates a discriminatory burden on Black and Latino voters”, as those two groups are more prone to be affected by coronavirus.

Gov. Abbott, along with Texas Secretary of State Ruth Hughs, filed an appeal to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which then granted an administrative stay on Wednesday evening.

Although the ruling can change at the last minute, it's not expected to. So for now, you don't need to wear a mask to vote.

Just because you don't have to doesn't mean you you shouldn't. There are reports of polling places shutting down because of sick poll workers. It's also courteous to wear one right now and help slow the spread of COVID-19 so we can get closer to ending all this madness.